16 Days: Mashatile wants end to unfair cultural practices
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on traditional leaders to play a more prominent role in ending violence against women and children.
Mashatile said there is no place for cultural practices such as child muthi killing and ukuthwala.
The deputy president delivered the keynote address during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violenc in Mpumalanga on Saturday.
The campaign, which runs from 25 November until 10 December, aims to highlight the prevalence of violence against women and girls.
Mashatile urged South Africans to reject cultural practices which harm women and children.
"You must say no to cultural practices that are harmful to women and children. You must say no to child muthi killings, witchcraft burnings and many other practices," said Mashatile.
The deputy president also bemoaned the socio-economic status of women, which he said makes them vulnerable to exploitation.
"It is because of the scourge of GBVF that manifests itself in these ways that water management and service investment are crucial for poverty eradication, long-term economic development, and reducing GBVF susceptibility.
"I am happy to have had the opportunity to visit some of the places that show how water resources can be used to empower women. I also want to take this opportunity to encourage the Minister and the Department of Water and Sanitation to continue to make clean water accessible to rural areas. As a government, we must ensure that all enjoy this basic human right," said Mashatile.
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